The La Liga leader was unhappy that the official failed to stop play during the quarterfinal first leg tie while Javier Mascherano and Jordi Alba were both left prostrate following a collision in the penalty area.

CNN: Tottenham frets over Bale blow

His multicultural vision of Bolivia is gentler than that of Felipe Quispe, an Aymara Indian leader from the high plain around La Paz, who wants to restore the paradise that prevailed before colonisation.

ECONOMIST: Fragile states in the Andes (2)

The Mexican government will continue to pursue La Familia drug gang which has been weakened since its leader was killed last month, a top official says.

BBC: La Familia drug gang: Mexico says cartel 'in retreat'

There seems little doubt, according to the opinion polls, that when Argentines vote this Sunday they will choose as their next president Fernando de la Rua, the grey and cautious mayor of Buenos Aires and leader of the opposition Alliance.

ECONOMIST: Argentina��s next steps

Mr Poire did not comment on the signs at a news conference in Mexico City, but he said La Familia had been weakened over the past two years, especially since its leader, Nazario Moreno, was killed in a gun battle with police in December.

BBC: La Familia drug gang: Mexico says cartel 'in retreat'